Amid the vibrant campus life of the Institute of International Education, students who continually strive to develop their knowledge, skills, and physical fitness are becoming an increasingly familiar sight. Among them, Nguyen Huu Hung, a Business Administration student in Cohort 18 of the IBD program, stands out for not only pursuing his studies at ISME but also earning a place on the Vietnam National Baseball Team competing at SEA Games 33, carrying with him the pride of the University and Vietnamese sports.

Reflecting on how he came to baseball, Huu Hung said his love of sports began at a very young age. He was introduced to baseball at the age of seven, but it was not until around 2015 that he began structured, professional training. Through youth development training, Hung soon had the opportunity to represent Vietnam’s U12 baseball team at the PONY Mustang Pacific Ocean tournament in Seoul. This was the first international tournament of his career and an important milestone in his pursuit of elite sports. Playing primarily as an outfielder, Hung gradually demonstrated his abilities in numerous domestic and international tournaments.

Nguyen Huu Hung is currently a player with the People’s Public Security Baseball Club, which operates under the People’s Public Security Sports Association of the Ministry of Public Security. He previously played for teams including Hanoi 29ers, Devil Bats, and Hanoi Capitals, gaining experience and competitive confidence in different environments. Among his most memorable achievements, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the 2024 National Championship stands out: Huu Hung scored the decisive run that secured his team’s first national championship title and had the honor of receiving a certificate of merit from General Luong Tam Quang, Minister of Public Security.

February 2023 marked a special milestone in Huu Hung’s career when he was one of 23 athletes called up to the Vietnam National Baseball Team for the DGB Cup in Laos. For Hung, wearing the national team jersey for the first time was an unforgettable moment of emotion and pride. “Every time I hear Vietnam’s national anthem at international competitions, I feel very proud to represent my country,” Hung shared.

At SEA Games 33, with baseball in Vietnam still a relatively young sport compared with other countries in the region, the team’s initial goals were to exchange experiences, learn, and raise the profile of Vietnamese baseball across the region and around the world. However, by the end of the Games, the Vietnam National Baseball Team had achieved results beyond expectations, not only recording a historic victory but also showing resilience in games against opponents ranked among the world’s top 50. According to Huu Hung, the team’s achievements helped bring Vietnamese baseball closer to the public while providing strong momentum for the sport’s future development.

Alongside his professional sports career, balancing his studies at ISME with an intensive training and competition schedule has always been a major challenge for Huu Hung. Hung candidly shared that he spends most of his week eating, training, and competing, but still strives to organize his time to complete the BTEC program while participating in the Institute’s activities. During his studies at ISME, Hung has been a member of student clubs such as Vibes and helped organize events such as My Smart Choice. These experiences have given him further opportunities to connect with and contribute to the IBD student community—another jersey he is always proud to wear.

In a message to students at ISME and National Economics University (NEU) who are pursuing sports or their own passions, Hung expressed his confidence in the energy and potential of students at the Institute of International Education. Pursuing a passion, he said, not only helps people fully appreciate the meaning of life but also positively influences their studies and personal growth. “Give your passion your all,” Hung emphasized, “because it is what motivates us to keep moving forward.”

Article and photos: Institute of International Education

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.